BLAST TRAGEDY
Body found in rubble after fireball ‘explosion’ tore through gym on Treforest industrial estate
A major incident was declared as emergency services rushed to fireball
A BODY has been found in the rubble after a fireball "explosion" tore through a gym on a Treforest industrial estate.
The blaze ripped through the South Wales estate after a huge blast at 7pm yesterday - with police tonight confirming it had ended in tragedy.
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The body has not been formally identified, but specially trained officers are supporting the missing person's family.
The blast was so extensive that locals reported their houses shook from the impact.
Speaking tonight, Detective Superintendent Richard Jones said: "Our thoughts are with the family of the missing person.
"Now that the fire has been brought under control, we will move to the investigative phase to find out what caused this explosion and subsequent fire.
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"Roads are gradually being re-opened although some roads and businesses in the area will still be affected.
"I want to thank local residents and businesses for their patience and understanding while this incident is being dealt with.";
Emergency services are still working to determine the cause of the blaze.
All major hospitals in south Wales were put on "major incident alert" with locals urged to stay away unless seriously injured or ill last night - with the warning since lifted.
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More than 10 police and fire service vehicles rushed to the scene after neighbours said they heard a loud bang before the huge fire broke out.
A gym, dance studio and at least one car dealership on the industrial estate are all understood to have been affected by the explosion.
Posting on Facebook, business owner Lucy Artiss said: "My tattoo shop and gym just exploded.
"Lost everything but thankfully not hurt. I feel numb, to be honest.
"That gym was my favourite place. Looks like I'll need to find a new shop.
"So gutted but hey, everything will be replaced. It is what it is."
Late last night Deputy Chief Fire Officer Dewi Rose they had "repeat calls" about an explosion at Mindset Gym on the Treforest Industrial Estate in Pontypridd just after 7pm.
He said: "SWFRS currently has 16 pumping appliances, a number of special appliances and officers in attendance.
"The latest from the scene is that the building, a large multi-use two-storey commercial premises, is totally alight and at risk of collapse.
"Our partners from South Wales Police, WAST, Wales & West Utilities, NRW, RCTCBC, CTMUHB and National Grid are supporting us to deal with the incident.
"At the moment our focus is firmly fixed on the emergency response."
Local councillor Karl Johnson told Sky News the front of the gym building was "completely destroyed" and that a nearby car dealership had also been damaged.
South Wales Police said roads around the industrial estate would stay closed for some time following a "serious incident".
The force said: "We are at the scene of a serious incident on Severn Road, Treforest.
"The roads around the Industrial Estate are currently closed and are expected to remain as such for some time.
"Please avoid the area. Updates will be provided when available and appropriate."
Yesterday the Welsh Ambulance Service said: "Tonight we have declared a major incident in response to a large fire at Treforest Industrial Estate, Severn Road, Pontypridd.
"We have sent 10 emergency ambulances, seven rapid response vehicles and the Hazardous Area Response Team to the scene.
"We have been supported by the Emergency Medical Retrieval and Transfer Service."
HOUSES SHAKEN
Posting on Facebook, one resident said: "My house was rattling, must have been a big explosion."
Jonny Foxhall, 36, who owns a nearby music venue, said: "Our front door was flung open so we went out to see what had happened.
"We could see a smoke cloud and an orange glow from above the treeline quickly followed by flames."
He added: "To feel the shockwave from the explosion is something I've never experienced before."
One Facebook used claimed they could see the blaze from their flat in Cardiff.
Locals have been warned not to visit A&E in the area unless "absolutely necessary".
Swansea Bay NHS said: "Because of the explosion & fire in Treforest, all major hospitals in S. Wales including Morriston are on major incident alert.
"Avoid Morriston unless you have a very serious illness or injury."
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council said: "Please stay away from the Power Station Hill area to ensure emergency services can carry out their duties unobstructed and to keep yourself safe."
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Stagecoach South Wales said its 132 and 120 services were unable to serve Rhydfelin and Hawthorn on their return journey due to the explosion.
RSD Gym Dance & Cheer said that it had closed to keep its members safe.
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